Fall Orientation

The rentrée is in full swing at AUP. As we welcome back our returning students to campus, they are joined by over 500 new global explorers – including 43 graduate students. Every year, at Fall Orientation, we take the time to show our latest arrivals the ropes, so that they start out at AUP safe in the knowledge that they have everything they need to thrive in an international setting.

In true AUP style, the new intake comes from all over the world; this year they represent 62 nationalities and speak 51 languages between them. The week-long orientation events program is designed to ease the transition into life in Paris and at AUP, while preparing students for their studies and introducing them to the support services that the University provides.

The Welcome Fair is a backbone of the annual orientation schedule; it gives incoming students the opportunity to discover the co- and extracurricular opportunities on offer at AUP. They can learn about their peers' experiences on Cultural Program study trips or get additional information about clubs and sports at AUP. Representatives from the Student Government Association are on hand to explain the ins and outs of campus democracy. The occasion is a great way for new arrivals to get stuck into university life while interacting with veteran students and learning more about the AUP community.

This year, a highlight of the week was introducing new students to AUP’s flagship building, the Quai d’Orsay Learning Commons. Designed to centralize all those services related to student life and learning, the Learning Commons acts as a launchpad for students as they set out on their global journeys. The session “Learning Commons: Know Your Tools” introduced new arrivals to campus support services such as the library and Academic Advising, making sure that they could make the most of AUP's newest state-of-the-art facility.

After a week of orientation activities, there was time to unwind and enjoy Paris. Thursday evening’s boat party took new arrivals for a ride down the Seine, letting them mingle with their peers while discovering the beautiful city they now call home. The Open Mic night on Saturday evening – now a treasured orientation tradition – capped off the week by introducing students to the AMEX Café and giving them the opportunity to share their creative talents with their peers. Performances were in multiple languages, and some made use of the cafe's new piano.

Discover the full Community album and download your favorite moments from the week